DarronS,
The biggest hurdle to training dogs is learning to think like a dog. They aren’t small people, they are domesticated wolves. Dogs evolved from the wolves that were people friendly, and they want to be told what to do. Left to their own they will make their own rules so it is important that you and everyone in the family set the rules and enforce them consistently. By enforcing I mean rewarding desired behavior with treats, love and enthusiasm.
IMO, thisis excellent advice and the greatest challenge for human "pack-leaders". Training should always start with simple but important fundamental behavior patterns which are common to both species. Patient repetition without signs of frustration is important as dogs are keenly aware of body language and voice patterns and inflections. It also helps to start with "fun" things such as fetching and bringing things back to continue the game.
Most humans have lost the recognition of subtle body language, so one of themost iportant things to learn is to recognize the dog's body language and show the dog that you understand his emotional needs. This reinforces the bond and teaches the dogto express its needs to you.
Always use the exact same command for a specific task. The dog will learn the meaning of those commands very quickly as it learns that an immediate response, will always bring a reward. As with all organisms, dogs will always make decisions "in te direction of greatest satisfaction".
This link may be helpful; http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/dogs-communicate-humans-2413.html
This funny comparison between a dog's brain and a cat's brain is precious and informative.
"The Dog’s Diary"
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
"The Cat’s Diary"
Day 983 of My Captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ..."